How many electorates were there in the first election?
Thank you for your question Ethan!
The first federal election in Australia was held on 29 and 30 March 1901. 75 members were elected to the House of Representatives and 36 senators to the Senate. So, in the first federal election there were 75 electorates.
The Duke of Cornwall and York opens the first federal Parliament, 9 May 1901.
State Library of Victoria
The Duke of Cornwall and York opens the first federal Parliament, 9 May 1901.
State Library of Victoria
Description
This colour engraving shows the official opening of the of the first federal Parliament. The Duke of Cornwall and York, dressed in full military uniform, reads from a book. He and other dignitaries stand on a platform looking down on a great crowd. Judges, military personel, accademics, women and lawyers can be seen in the crowd. Flags are drapped from the mezzanine level of the Exhibition Building.